Julia Gerhardt, AMFT
(Please note: Julia is not accepting new clients at this time)
Pronouns - she/her
“I believe that old patterns are breakable, that change is possible, and that you are here for a purpose.”
Approach to Therapy:
I trust that you are the expert on you. Together, we will navigate what you know, how you know it, and, should you want to, how to create change where you want it. In my work, I bring my passion for storytelling and mental health to create space for you to author, edit, and share your own story. Storytelling is a powerful tool that can shape how we view ourselves and others. By working with a Narrative approach in therapy, we will use that tool to help you create the narrative that takes the most courage to write. I also use Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) to help couples work through long-standing patterns of conflict and create deeper connection, intimacy, and understanding. With these approaches, I help clients find deeper security, trust, and love in their relationship to self and others. I believe that old patterns are breakable, that change is possible, and that you are here for a purpose.
Clinical Interests:
My clinical areas of interest include supporting couples seeking better communication and intimacy, chronic pain, living with endometriosis, grief work, navigating young adult transitions, processing racialized violence, processing whiteness, purity culture, supporting LGBTQ+ community, and working with folks in an ACA or AL-ANON program.
Education and Training:
I earned my Masters in Couple and Family Therapy from Adler University. I am trained in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) from the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy. I continue my training in EFCT through reading and ongoing supervision with EFCT supervisors. I also have a Gottman Level 1 certificate which has provided me with more tools for how couples can effectively approach conflict, create deeper friendships, and discuss future goals.
3 Things I love:
Reading, mac n’ cheese, and saying “hello” to strangers’ dogs.
Julia can be reached at: julia@amandaatkinschicago.com